Because by your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Rise.
PRESIDER: Joseph of Arimathea has a new tomb hewn in the rock. The body of Jesus is laid there and the tomb is sealed with a huge stone.
The members of the Sanhedrin, the Roman centurion, the bystanders, and the others, all may have thought Him defeated but His death and burial brought life. The tomb would endure as a lasting memorial to His victory over death.
PEOPLE: Sweet Jesus, You have shown me by Your life that unless there is a cross, there can be no empty tomb; that unless there is a crown of thorns, there can be no heavenly crown; and that unless the body be scourged, it can never be glorified.
In Your mercy, grant that, through Your death and burial, I may receive the strength to endure my cross so that I may one day experience the glory of Your resurrection. Amen.